High school student just turned 18--looking for a CC

Good evening,

I just turned 18 a few days ago and was looking to get a credit card to boost my credit score. I have experience with a debit card and my own Paypal account, and have at least a basic knowledge of how everything works and what I need to do, can do, and should not do. I consider myself very responsible with spending. I have a full time summer job and a part time job during the school year. I'm planning on just working up 10-30% of the card's limit and paying it off each month.

I will be a senior in HS this fall.

My problem is I can't find any card offers that will allow high school students to apply for. All the offers require me to include a school name with my application. I want a card with no annual fee, and a decent APR (not that I'll really need it). I don't care about rewards, points, or whatever. I also don't want a prepaid or secured card.

I was wondering if:

-Anyone had a recommendation for a card that would work for me,
-Anyone knew of a way I could (legally!!) get around the "college credit card" applications and apply as a HS student, and
-It is not possible to get a college card right now, what cards would allow a HS student to apply?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

[Jeanie]

lkwinnipesaukee,

I don't think you can apply for a student card unless you have been accepted into a college.

Until then try out our Best Credit Cards page where you enter the info about yourself on the right and it will generate the best cards for you!

Good Luck to you and hope you keep us updated!

~Jeanie

Thanks for the reply and bad news. :-)

I looked at your link and it gave me a few cards to choose from. I really like the Amex Blue, but I don't think I'd be accepted. Is there any way to gauge a card to see what kind of person they'd accept or decline?

Also... I don't really know how to ask this... but do people sometimes "estimate" some figures on their applications that the CC company doesn't check? I'd like to have the highest chance possible when applying and was wondering if it is okay to "estimate."

Jeez!! Finding and applying to colleges is easier than this!!

Dear Ikwinnipesaukee,

I think you should never add some "estimated" figures on your application.
Filling in the right numbers is also for your own good... If they believe you and you get a very high credit limit you might get in financial trouble when you are 'overrated'

Good Luck!

[Jeanie]

The only way to know if you will be accepted is to try. I wouldn't add any estimated figures, just be as exact as you can. You have to start somewhere..

~Jeanie

Give a shot to Old Navy or Banana Republic. You will get a Credit Card from there for sure... and there ya go... however... it will likely be a $300 credit limit...so consider spending $30-$50 to stay low. They minimum payment will be $10... so try to pay at least $20 or $30... so will be reported that you paid over the minimum.

[Jeanie]

What a good tip Bahamut! That is exactly how I started my credit!

Thanks!

~Jeanie

Thanks!!

A pleasure to give my advice whenever I can.

Besides my experience, I'm reading several financial books (I'm getting on this world)

Go Trump!

I also work as a supervisor at a bank... so within some short time, I will be able to provide even better feedback/help

well lkwinnipesaukee i agree with jeanie that you can not apply for a student card unless you have been accepted into a college. but there might be any other way ,lets hope for best.